Hotel Stefanos Village

The hotel is located about 2km from the coastal resort of Plakias, on the edge of the traditional village of Mirthios. Compared to the North coast of Crete, it is unspoilt and still very rural. Most of the traditional villages sit part way up the hillside, as does Mirthios, giving unrivalled views of the countryside and the Libyan Sea. To get the most out of the area, your own transport is required but hire cars and scooters are readily available at competitive rates. The village offers four excellent tavernas (those views again!) and two small shops although a much better range of shops and supermarkets are available in Plakias. A range of historic visits are available within an hour's drive, including monasteries and ancient sites, and the area offers plenty of excellent walks and cycling (bikes can be hired in Plakias). For shopping and more sightseeing, Rethymno is about 30 minutes away by car and Chania and Iraklio (Heraklion) 90 minutes away. With a reasonable map, there are some excellent driving tours to be enjoyed through the mountains.

This is a family run business and the family pride themselves on offering a quality and courteous service. Much of the day to day running is managed by the three daughters in the family, all of whom speak good English and basic German. As mentioned above, cleaning is provided on a daily basis and to a good standard.
The management will assist with any additional services required. A doctor and pharmacy are available in Plakias.

The hotel has its own restaurant area which offers one of the best locations and views on the island. There are four excellent tavernas within a five to ten minute walk within the village and many more in Plakias and the neighbouring villages. They all use fresh local produce, portions are good and prices are still cheap. Meals for two, with local wine, can be bought for less than 20 euro. Plenty of choice is available on the menus, together with a wide range of vegetarian dishes. For those used to good wines, the local wine is very cheap but don't have high expectations!

The pool at the hotel is excellent and is rarely over-crowded, as many head out to the local beaches in the day. Sunbeds are readily available at no extra charge. Drinks and snacks are always available in the bar area at reasonable prices. There are some excellent beaches along the south coast within a 20 minute drive, each offering a beachside taverna and sunbeds (6 euro for two).
Internet access is available at the hotel but as a small, quiet, family-run hotel I am pleased to sya there is no disco, kids club or organised entertainment available on a daily basis. There is a disco in Plakias but we've never been to it. The hotel occasionally organises a traditonal banquet evening with local musicians. The local area offers plenty of scope for walking and cycling.

The apartments are well designed and the architect has done well to mirror some of the local traditional architecture. The hotel offers studio apartments and aprtments with separate bedrooms. All are well equipped with TV, telephone, balcony or private sitting area, air-conditioning, bathroom and kitchen area. The hotel was originally built just over ten years ago with more recent additions so the overall condition is good.

July and August can be hot.
Despite the mountains, mobile phone reception seems to be good wherever you go.
Explore and get off the beaten track!